Fizzboy7

Has anyone been able to upgrade their pre-2009 auto transmission to paddle shift while in D? When Lexus added this feature, it was soley a software change, right? I am dying to get this feature on mine since I constantly use the paddles...

dojoman

iTrader: (5)

I've been looking into this too but I HIGHLY doubt it's possible.

GiantsFan

iTrader: (9)

Just switch to S ... same thing ...

Fizzboy7

Don't like the shifter, it's clunky and makes noise. Left hand is usually up on the wheel near turn signal, ready to hit paddles.

NoHoIS350

:confused ummm dont you put your car in drive with your right hand anyway. As you put it in drive just push it over into S mode from the get go?

ba-b4

Yeah just shift to S and upshift it to 6. That will make it act like you got the full auto range. Then you can downshift to whatever other gear you like.

Fizzboy7

That's what I've been doing, but when in S mode using the lever, it's gotten louder and feels stiff to move. That's what got me more over to the paddles. I think I may have to take it in. It feels like it needs lubrication or something. There's also a small area of white "powder" building up where the black plastic folds and opens while you shift.

EyeEss

shifting in an auto is lame anyway

fasteddy91

iTrader: (5)

I shift to S instead of D when I start driving, problem solved for 06-08 owners

fasteddy91

iTrader: (5)

I agree, it sucks and it's not the same, but being beat by a minivan while test driving a 6spd is250 was quite embarassing. The salesman and I looked at each other after that and he asked "wanna test drive a 350?"

EyeEss

Your fault for racing the minivan to begin with, don't you know he was running a 2JZ motor under the hood!?

fasteddy91

iTrader: (5)

nah, I wasn't trying to race. I was trying to pass the van to get on the freeway during the test drive, but the car wouldn't accelerate fast enough. The driving experience with a stick is more rewarding than driving an automatic to me, but the auto in the 350 is pretty good, I just wish the tranny would upshift as soon as you hit the paddles, then I would be a happy camper.

joeker

iTrader: (8)

wait.. so is it a software change for the 09's?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

No change to how the shifters work at all.

The only successful mod for the shifters involves removing the gas cap, driving the IS-F up under the gas cap, installing the gas cap and now having complete control over the shifter with an additional 110 hp.

Dj_AmtraX

iTrader: (2)

I always use S mode since day one. I like to see faster gear shifts if anything.